Thursday, March 18, 2010

Northern Iowa and the University of Nevada- Las Vegas are as evenly matched as they come. It is evident in the first half; the game is going to come down to the last few seconds.

UNLV is shooting 44 percent from the field, and it edged Northern Iowa’s 40 shooting percentage. The other edge for UNLV goes to the turnovers. They have five, while Northern Iowa has nine.

Northern Iowa is going to have to slow the tempo down in the second half. When the game was slower, Jordan Eglseder was able to score in the paint. When the game was quicker, UNLV was able to run the floor and make a quick bucket. When UNLV scores, the Rebels use a full-court press. The press was forcing Northern Iowa to get out of their normal rhythm.

UNLV will have to force the tempo to their style, and they will need to hit some big three pointers as well. Tre’von Willis hit one at the end of the half to put UNLV in front. If UNLV continues to protect the ball and keeps the pace fast, they should have the better chance to win. UNLV 36, Northern Iowa 35.